Embracing the Unknown

Life Lessons from the Tibetan Book of the Dead

By: Pema Chödrön

Narrated by: Pema Chödrön

Length: 3 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Life, death, and rebirth - Pema Chödrön on the Tibetan Book of the Dead

What happens when we die? One of the most treasured resources for understanding this essential question is the Tibetan Book of the Dead. With Embracing the Unknown, Pema Chödrön delves into the teachings of this extraordinary Buddhist text - not only for what it tells us about the journey of the soul beyond this life but also as a source of profound wisdom for navigating the uncertainty we face each day in “the bardo of this life”. In this landmark appearance recorded live at the Omega Institute, Pema explores the universal mystery of life, death, and rebirth, including:

• What is the bardo? How any state between an ending and a beginning gives us an unparalleled opportunity for transformation
• What is rebirth? Pema takes a deeper look at this concept and how it also occurs in our moment-to-moment experience
• Can we let go? Guidance for honoring the difficult emotions of fear, sadness, and grief with an open and curious heart
• How can we prepare? Meditation techniques and everyday practices for befriending change, groundlessness, and the unknown
• What can we really know about death? Why the teachings of the Book of the Dead are valuable no matter what you believe

“Death isn’t just something that happens at the end,” teaches Pema. “Life is continually arising, dwelling, ceasing, and arising. It’s a cycle that goes on every day, and continues to go on forever.” Featuring insightful Q&A sessions with a live audience, Embracing the Unknown invites you to explore the most daunting and liberating truth of our human experience - guided by Pema Chödrön’s hallmark blend of insight, humor, and fearless love. 

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2019 Pema Chödrön (P)2019 Sounds True

so helpful and insightful

i listened to a couple chapters each morning before my meditation. it's helped me put life in perspective and honor the flow of life.

Helped me with grief and loss

I was comforted by Tibetan Buddhist philosophy about death and dying. I appreciate that Pema Chodron is very careful not to proselytize, she teaches and says take it or leave it, whatever works for you.

Not a book but good just the same

This is an audio recording of a seminar she gave, so its a bit more jumbled and conversational, but it’s good none the less.

Another insight filled book from a favorite Author

Gained a deeper understanding of Tibetan views regarding the death process and rebirth. You should get at least one Aha moment from this easy to digest format. Definitely worth rereading a few times.

Wonderful book

This book has helped me become much more comfortable with death and embracing the unknown. It is well organized, easy to follow. It both serious and light hearted. My favorite of Pena’s books so far. I also always enjoy her messages of living with a compassionate and open heart.

the bardo

loved it! Gave me insight to passing over to another life and living today with that knowledge

Finally rebirth explained

An easy to understand concept for what happens after you die. . Told with humor and compassion this makes for a nice listen.

Auntie Pema Style!

Such a beautiful program. Pema has such an amazing way of teaching with such style, compassion, vulnerability, and knowledge, all wrapped up in humor.

I am fortunate to have access to such a spiritual guide!

I have been listening to Pema Chodron for many years. I always am reminded of how simple life can be when you live in the present and when you use compassion to understand people by having compassion for yourself. I am grateful that audible has her books.

A vital life teaching for anyone of any background

A vital life teaching for anyone of any background
Whether you are Buddhist or not, spiritual or secular, near death or not, these teachings are of invaluable importance to developing y/our skilfulness at living with greater wisdom, compassion, and contentment. Deepest gratitude to all lineages of great teachers, including the Tibetan ones, and to Pema herself, for being such a great translator and conveyor of soft and tough truths, in vivid and even humorous ways!

Life changing

This talk is life changing. I loved listening to this - it took me on a journey to help me live even more.